Bart Pfankuch

Kingsbury County in east-central South Dakota, home to De Smet and Laura Ingalls Wilder fame, could see up to a $1 billion jump in its tax base if a large dairy farm and biofuels plant are both built.

"It shows progress on our quality journey and using the same measurement with today’s data would result in higher ratings."

Leaders at Monument Health in Rapid City said they provide quality care despite receiving a 1 out of 5 federal safety and quality rating.

Up to $7 million in grants will soon be available to expand the use of telemedicine and innovative technology to improve health care for the elderly in South Dakota.

Fossil fuels will still play a role: 'On a cold winter morning when it's cloudy and there’s no wind, we’ll still be keeping our members warm with natural gas and coal and diesel.'

Increasing health care costs are affecting almost everyone, but the unusually high costs in South Dakota are prompting some state residents to forgo necessary medical care, which in turn can drive up costs even further.

A new South Dakota committee of 75 people from a variety of backgrounds is forming to discuss global events and seek new opportunities for overseas trade.